counterpuncher

Waits then attacks

A counterpuncher is a boxer whose strategy relies on defensive positioning and responding to opponents' attacks rather than initiating offense.

The counterpuncher waits for openings created by an opponent's aggression, then strikes.

The term extends to anyone who excels at reactive tactics—in politics, business, or debate: He's a counterpuncher who thrives when attacked.

boxing

jab

Quick, straight blow

hookCurved catching device
uppercutAscending boxing strike
ringcraftBoxing tactical expertise

footwork · defense · timing · sparring · southpaw · orthodox · feint · pugilist · heavyweight · welterweight

reactive

counterattack

Offensive response to aggression

retaliationPunitive response to injury
responseAnswer to stimulus
comebackRecovery after decline

riposte · reprisal · countermove · counterstrike · parry · deflection · return · answer · backlash · turnabout

tactical

anticipation

State of awaiting something

timingArt of choosing moments
patienceCalm during delays
baitingDeliberately trying to provoke

luring · feint · reading · calculation · positioning · awareness · adaptation · precision · setup · trap

resilient

endurance

Sustained effort capacity

perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
fortitudeEnduring courage under pain

stamina · toughness · absorb · weathering · survivor · steadfast · composed · unflappable · pressure · attrition

Categories

boxingjab, uppercut, hook, knockout, TKO
tennis stylesserve and volley, pusher, grinder, defensive play
boxing stylesorthodox, southpaw, swarmer, slugger, brawler
defensive tennis stylesretriever, grinder, pusher
tennis playersserver, returner, baseliner, volleyer, serve-and-volleyer

Opposites

fighting style/strategic approach

counterpuncheraggressor

One who initiates conflict

puncher · swarmer · attacker · slugger · brawler

temperament/disposition

counterpuncherhothead

Impetuous, easily angered person

aggressor · loose cannon · wild man · berserker

strategic approach (general)

counterpuncheraggressor

One who initiates conflict

initiator · blitzer · attacker · front-runner · pace-setter

Family

counterpunch, counterpunching, counterpunched, counterpunches, counterpunchers

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG